Tape Dispenser Static Protective Element Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tape dispensers lack effective protection for operators from accidental cuts due to exposed cutting elements, leading to safety issues, wear-related problems, complex assembly, and increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

A tape dispenser with a static cutting device and integrated static protective elements positioned transversely to the cutting device, preventing relative movement and reducing the number of components, thus eliminating wear and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a moving shield is used to cover the cutting element, then operator safety is improved during non-cutting operations, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase due to wear and potential blocking issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidprotective device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the moving shield entirely and extracts only the essential protective function by using a static protective element that is permanently positioned to cover the cutting element. This eliminates the complexity of moving parts while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a moving shield that exposes the cutting element when needed, the patent inverts the approach by using a static protective element that permanently covers the cutting element, eliminating the need for movement while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If sliding protective devices are used, then operator safety is improved, but operation is compromised by adhesive residue depositing on the cutting device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidcutting operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the sliding mechanism entirely and uses a static protective element that does not move during operation, thereby eliminating the problem of adhesive residue accumulation that occurs with sliding surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If numerous protective elements are used, then operator safety is improved, but production cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential protective function and implements it with a single static protective element rather than multiple moving protective components, thereby reducing production cost and assembly complexity while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The static protective element serves multiple functions: it covers the cutting element for safety, guides the tape, and requires no maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2385010B1Tape dispenser with safe cutting device
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 FRAT MAZZUCCHELLI SAS DI SILVANO E MASSIMO MAZZUCCHELLI
  • EP2385010B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2385010B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2385010B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tape dispenser (1,2), comprising: a supporting frame (10, 210), a tape holding means (20, 220) for a tape (100), a cutting device (30, 230) and protective means (40, 240) of said cutting device (30, 230). The cutting device (30, 230) comprises at least one cutting portion (32, 32', 232); the protective means (40, 240) comprise at least one protective element (42, 42', 242, 242') positioned corresponding with said cutting portion (32, 32', 232). The protective element (42, 42', 242, 242') is permanently and statically superimposed on the cutting portion (32, 32', 232) with respect to the direction in which the tape (100) is applied, and is oriented transversely with respect to the direction of unwinding thereof, toward the centerline (M) of the cutting device (30, 230).